Bill · H.R. 8198· House(119-HR-8198)
OUTPACE in Space Act
- Introduced
- 4/6/2026
- Last activity
- 4/6/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Vince Fong
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "OUTPACE in Space Act," aims to amend title 51 of the United States Code to advance American space operations. It focuses on strengthening launch and reentry capabilities by tasking the FAA Administrator with improving airspace access for commercial space and hypersonic industries. The legislation mandates several briefings and rulemakings to support overland launch and reentry operations. It also directs the Secretary of Transportation to increase the annual cadence of domestic launches and reentries. Additionally, the bill provides expedited hiring authority for specialized roles within the Office of Commercial Space Transportation. Finally, it establishes restrictions on research and development initiatives involving certain foreign entities.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill reduces regulatory hurdles and expands airspace access for commercial space and hypersonic business owners.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill expands the capacity of the commercial space and hypersonic industries through increased launch cadence and specialized hiring authority.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+2
The bill aims to reduce regulatory barriers and support the growth of commercial space and hypersonic industries.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Industry Competitiveness: The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the commercial space and emerging hypersonic industries are critical to U.S. competitiveness (Section 2(a)).
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Improved Airspace Management: The Administrator is directed to ensure industries have access to national airspace while maintaining aviation safety and improving management access (Section 2(a)).
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Support for Overland Operations: The bill mandates risk considerations and updated regulations to support the development and authorization of overland launch and reentry operations (Section 2(c)).
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Increased Launch Frequency: The Secretary of Transportation is directed to take steps to increase the annual cadence of domestic commercial launches and reentries (Section 2(e)).
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Streamlined Compliance: The bill directs the use of performance-based requirements and alternative methods of compliance to enable high cadence operations (Section 2(d)).
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Faster Staffing for Specialized Roles: The FAA Administrator is granted authority to appoint qualified candidates with specialized knowledge in aerospace engineering or related fields within 30 days, bypassing certain competitive service requirements (Section 2(f)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Research Collaboration: The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Transportation are prohibited from carrying out research or development initiatives related to commercial space activities with any entity of concern, foreign business entity, or foreign country of concern (Section 3(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Urban Residents+1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+1
- 4/6/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Introduced in House